The First Landing Of Columbus In The New World

It was on Friday morning, the 12th of October, that Columbus first
beheld the New World. As the day dawned he saw before him an island,
several leagues in extent, and covered with trees like a continual
orchard. Though apparently uncultivated it was populous, for the
inhabitants were seen issuing from all parts of the woods and running to
the shore. They were perfectly naked, and, as they stood gazing at
the ships, appeared by their attitudes and gestures to be lost in
astonishment.

Columbus made signals for the ships to cast anchor and the boats to be
manned and armed. He entered his own boat, richly attired in scarlet,
and holding the royal standard; while Martin Alonzo Pinzon and his
brother put off in company in their boats, each with a banner of the
enterprise emblazoned with a green cross, having on either side the
letters "F." and "Y.," the initials of the Castilian monarchs Fernando
and Ysabel, surmounted by crowns.

As he approached the shore, Columbus was delighted with the purity and
suavity of the atmosphere, the crystal transparency of the sea, and
the extraordinary beauty of the vegetation. He beheld also fruits of an
unknown kind upon the trees which overhung the shores.

On landing he threw himself on his knees, kissed the earth, and returned
thanks to God with tears of joy. His example was followed by the
rest. [9] "Almighty and Eternal God," prayed Columbus, "who by the energy
of Thy creative word hast made the firmament, the earth and the sea;
blessed and glorified be thy name in all places! May thy majesty and
dominion be exalted for ever and ever, as Thou hast permitted thy holy
name to be made known and spread by the most humble of thy servants, in
this hitherto unknown portion of Thine empire."

Columbus, then rising, drew his sword, displayed the royal standard, and
assembling around him the two captains and the rest who had landed, he
took solemn possession in the name of the Castilian sovereigns, giving
the island the name of San Salvador.